Community Center - West Indian

Ackee and Saltfish: a Safe and Delicious Meal

Jamaica’s national dish, Ackee and Saltfish, is as diverse as the people who live there.  Though Jamaica has been influenced by many countries all over the world, Newfoundland shaped the national dish by bringing Saltfish to the Caribbean island.

The people of Jamaica then combined this foreign import with one of their local delicacies: the ackee.  The ackee originates from Africa, but today it is one of the biggest exports in Jamaica.  The ackee is very special but dangerous: there is only one edible part of the whole fruit!  Any other part but the “aril,” a fleshy covering around the seed, is poisonous.  Fortunately, Jamaicans have perfected the art of harvesting the fruit and have introduced it to the rest of the world!  Because it may be hard to find fresh ackee in America, there are canned options as well.

Want to try your hand at making this Jamaican specialty?  Check out this recipe from Grace^® and find all the ingredients you need at your local Pathmark!